1. The Frog, the Squirrel, the Cow and their 5 mysterious friends Telling stories to share understanding and develop friendships in 8 European pre-schools and schools

2. 6 pre-schools 2 schools 7 nations

3. Christ the Sower Primary School, Milton Keynes, UK (3 – 11 years) Vrtec Najdihojca, Ljubljana, Slovenia (1 – 6 years) Stjarnbildsgatan Forskola, Göteborg, Sweden (1 – 5 years) Salladsgatans Forskola, Helsingborg, Sweden (1 – 5 years) Kindergarten Hausen, Krauchenwies, Germany (3 – 6 years) Edugo Lourdes Meerhout Kindergarten, Oostakker, Belgium (2 – 6 years) Alsungas pirmsskolas izglitibas iestade, Alsunga, Latvia (2 – 7 years) OBS De Fugelflecht, Franeker, Netherlands (4 – 12 years)

4. What do we want for our children? Understanding of story to develop friendship. Understanding of significance of wild animals in their local area. Ability to share with children in other European countries, their stories, photos, films, about both their culture and their wild animals. To grow in confidence and care for those who are different from them. Open up creative possibilities and enjoyment through exchange of “mascots” representing each region’s wild animals.

5. What do we want for our teachers? The chance to experience children’s learning in different nations, languages and settings. The chance to be involved in the different pedagogic approaches used for young children – and try them out! The chance to take responsibility within a Europe-wide team of teachers.

6. What do we want for our schools? Opportunity to change our ways of doing things because we have seen something better or different that would benefit our children. Barriers between school systems to be challenged. Develop long-term friendships and partnerships for the future.

7. How will we do this? 5 mysterious friends ACTION REACTION ACTION REACTION ACTION REACTION ACTION REACTION

8. THAT’S IT, REALLY ….or is it? What is in the box? Was ist in der Schachtel?

9. Children’s cultural learning What we have learnt about our animals – information and children’s reaction to learning Stories we have learnt and told (in books), and partner’s cumulative learning Possibly chocolate and NO FUNNY STUFF!

10. Stories 1.Story about polite English cow 2.Story about polite English cow meets beer- drinking German haselmaus. 3.Then, cow meets Swedish hedgehog for a game of Kubb and a cup of tea, etc. 4.You get the idea.

11. Children’s cultural learning Clothing Games and sports A day at school Music and song Transport Celebration and food